I have a 2001 Escape Front Wheel V-6. The A/C seems to not be cooling as well as it used to in previous summers. Can someone give me the quick and dirty on which refridgerent is needed and how to recharge it?

1st check for a clogged cabin air filter. If your vehicle has one and hasn't been changed lately, it could be your problem.

I highly recommend having a professional do your A/C work! but here's a quick course.

Use 134A, charge on the low (cold) side with a/c on with fan on max and engine around 800-1000 rpm. Low pressure needs to be around 30 to 35psi with the valve on refrigerant can closed. If pressure reading drops, add a little from the can then close it off and observe pressure readings. Repeat until the system maintains between 30 - 35psi. Remove hose/gauge and replace port cap.

Be careful with refrigerants, can is under pressure and you can (freeze) burn yourself easily if you come in direct contact with the refrigerant.

Also, don’t assume that if adding little Freon is good that adding a lot is better! Overcharging just a little can decrease the performance of the system and possibly damage the compressor.

If the cabin air filter were clogged would an indication be that less air is coming from the vents? Air flow from the vents seems to be fine. Mainly it just feels like the air coming from the vents is warmer.
Thanks for the help jwko.

Its like the air filter on your central a/c unit. When its stopped up, it will restrict air flow & affect cooling. Filters that have been in for a long time can also mold and create a odor inside your vehicle. They need to be changed every 12 to 15k.

Does the cabin air filter on the 2001-etc models filter recirculated air?
I installed a cabin filter on my 02 XLS, but I always assumed it was for filtering the outside air before it enters the cabin. It's been a couple of years & I didn't really pay attention to the cabin filter airbox's ducting.